Note: This article is ADHD-friendly.
Want to learn how to properly cleanse your skin? This article covers common face-washing mistakes that skin therapists often see in clients.
📌 This is Part 2 of our Skin Cleansing 101 series!
👉 Missed Part 1? 101: Picking the Right Face Cleanser.
❌ Over-Cleansing (Washing Too Much or Using Harsh Cleansers)
Cleansing too often or with harsh ingredients doesn’t just remove dirt — it strips your skin’s natural oils. These oils aren’t the enemy; they help protect your skin and keep it balanced. When they’re gone, your skin panics and reacts differently depending on your skin type:
🔹 Oily Skin – Overproduces oil → extra shine + more breakouts.
🔹 Dry Skin – Feels tight, patchy, and dry → can lead to faster aging.
🔹 Combination/Normal Skin – A mix of both issues!
🔹 Sensitive Skin – Becomes red, itchy, and easily irritated.
✅ The Fix: Wash your face twice a day (morning & night) with a gentle, skin-friendly cleanser.
❌ Under-Cleansing (Not Washing Properly)
Skipping cleansing or using the wrong cleanser leaves behind dirt, oil, and makeup, leading to dull skin, breakouts, and irritation.
✅ The Fix: Find a balanced cleanser and use it daily.
❌ Using Cleansers Harsh Ingredients
Certain cleansers contain aggressive ingredients like:
❌ Sulfates (over-strip your skin)
❌ Strong fragrances (can irritate & trigger allergies)
If your skin feels red, irritated, or burns after washing, your cleanser might be too harsh.
✅ The Fix: Switch to gentle, fragrance-free, non-stripping cleansers.
❌ Skipping the Neck & Behind the Ears
Your neck and behind your ears collect sweat, oil, and dirt—just like your face. Ignoring them can lead to breakouts, dullness, or irritation over time.
✅ The Fix: When washing your face, bring the cleanser down to your neck and don’t forget behind your ears!
Now that you know how to pick a cleanser and what NOT to do while cleansing, it’s time to explore water cleansing and double cleansing.
🚀 TL;DR: Face Washing Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Over-cleansing – Strips natural oils → Causes excess oil, dryness, or irritation.
❌ Under-cleansing – Leaves behind dirt, oil, and makeup → Leads to breakouts & dull skin.
❌ Using harsh ingredients – Sulfates & strong fragrances can cause redness, burning, & sensitivity.
❌ Skipping your neck & ears – Sweat & oil buildup → Breakouts & irritation.
✅ The Fix? Wash twice a day with a gentle cleanser & cleanse your whole face (neck included!).
English